Hamas’ Izz ad-Din al-Qassam Brigades have claimed responsibility for an RPG attack targeting Israeli forces in northern Gaza – marking yet another escalation in ongoing ground encounters.
Hamas fighters recently used their Telegram channel to release a statement claiming they fired multiple RPG rounds and mortar shells against an Israeli position just one kilometer north of Beit Hanoun, near Israel-Gaza border. This action is part of a coordinated ambush operation against troops moving into Beit Hanoun region from Israel-Gaza border, said to have begun on October 18. Several news sites reported on this action, such as english.alarabiya.net, palestinechronicle.com +15, middleeasteye.net +15
Qassam Brigades’ spokesperson Abu Obeida posted, calling this operation a “military miracle” and applauding fighters’ resilience: [Palestine Chronicle.com].
This announcement fits into an ongoing pattern of low-intensity clashes between Israeli forces and Palestinian militants across northern Gaza, according to Palestinian sources who are aware of the situation. According to Palestinian sources familiar with this battleground, using anti-tank RPGs improvised or stolen from military vehicles has become a tactic used in urban guerrilla warfare against infantry units of Israeli infantry and armored units (hrw.org/ en.wikipedia org +6) for urban guerrilla warfare against them (hrw org/en.wikipedia org +6)
Hamas has used RPGs from their homemade “Yasin” series – anti-tank weapons from Palestine that have become part of Hamas’ arsenal over time – that feature Palestine-made anti-tank weaponry as part of their arsenal. One particular model, al-Yassin 105 RPG has proven highly capable at penetrating armored vehicles through a tandem charge round. These rounds can penetrate armor plating without risk to themselves.. WASHINGTON DC — Hamas have used RPGs made from Hamas-made RPG series known for years, to defeat Israel at all-cost in battleground. WASHING DC made anti-tank weaponry made of Palestinian anti-tank weaponry as part of their arsenal for years against Palestinian militants fighting alongside U.N. forces that had to use anti-tank weapons from Palestine that were widely available against armor plating vehicles from both sides. W Yassin 105 RPG has proven powerful enough penetration into armor plating vehicles without damaging vehicles [ W en Wikipedia.org | W ]. Whilst the al Yassin 105 RPG has proven powerful enough to penetrate armor plating vehicles with its tandem-charge rounds capable of penetration with power and speed;
Tactical Context: Escalation in Northern Gaza
Northern Gaza, particularly Beit Hanoun and Jabalia, have been the focus of intensified Israeli military operations following the January ceasefire. Daily clashes involving RPGs, mortars and small arms fire continue to hamper Israeli advancement; urmari en.wikipedia.org + 15
Reuter’s +15 as well as Palestine Chronicle =15 for further context (en wikipedia) plus 15 and Palestine Chronicle +15 are some examples.
In a dense urban environment like Jerusalem’s, militants can find protection and concealment, enabling asymmetrical tactics like booby traps and RPG ambushes that allow asymmetrical tactics like those seen during late June when Palestinian fighters used anti-tank rockets and IEDs against Israeli soldiers reportedly using anti-tank rockets and IEDs against Israeli soldiers encased within a walled city encirclement of Gaza City.
Although these engagements occur frequently, their tactical impact remains limited, with neither side making significant headway. Yet these clashes add up and heighten civilian exposure to danger.
Strategic Implications and Military Implications Guerrilla Resilience mes Hamas’s RPG ambush at Beit Hanoun showcased their ability for sustained urban warfare, keeping pressure on Israeli units even during areas of intense fighting.
Domestic Messaging
By publicizing their operation, the Qassam Brigades seek to project strength among supporters in Gaza while solidifying resistance narratives – in effect tagging this action as “military miracle” Palestine Chronicle and Middle East Eye both reported it.
These attacks could exert substantial pressure on Israeli Defense Force tactics, prompting increased caution, reliance on armored escorts and increased drone surveillance to detect ambushes before they take place.
Frightening battles continue in northern Gaza, compounding an already precarious humanitarian situation. Tens of thousands of civilians remain trapped beneath Israeli evacuations earlier this year which failed to bring lasting security and health authorities warn that access to medicine, clean water and shelter are decreasing as fighting intensifies.
International observers, including the United Nations, have repeatedly highlighted the need to enhance civilian protection and enhance humanitarian access; however, given that urban combat continues apace, an effective framework for negotiation or de-escalation remains unclear.
What Comes Next? Israeli Response: The IDF plans on increasing patrols in Beit Hanoun and nearby localities, possibly increasing armored support and remote sensing systems to counter RPG risks.
Hamas Strategy: Brigades will likely pursue similar ambushes across northern frontlines to establish operational presence and maintain momentum.
Humanitarian Concern: Continued combat poses serious threats to civilian safety and complicates aid delivery, heightening pressure on both Israel and Hamas to allow humanitarian relief and reach partial ceasefire agreements.
Bottom Line
The RPG attack claimed by Qassam Brigades is emblematic of the intractable and asymmetric warfare playing out across northern Gaza, where militants employing guerrilla tactics and Israel recalibrating its tactics under fire have increasingly targeted civilians, prompting questions over either side’s ability to achieve decisive victory or move toward lasting peace.